This thread is set up to provide a place to talk about things directly related to what's happening under the water in the spawning channel, as viewed by our cam at the entrance to the Chehalis Fish Hatchery.

Because this camera may be watched by school classes and we encourage children to visit the forum to learn about eagles and the other wildlife whose life cycles are linked to theirs - like salmon - we will be following a strict interpretation of our basic "no obscenity" rule, and we would appreciate your not using even the mild expletives and descriptions of bodily functions - gosh and golly are permitted - please consider some mythical maiden aunt or uncle looking at the forum with their great niece or nephew before using anything stronger.

"Poop" is an allowed word when referring to something done by an eaglet. We know that some words which describe bodily functions are also used as casual slang in some areas - but because they are considered far more impolite in some regions than others, we may change them to family-friendly alternatives. No PM is required because notice is being given here.

There is to be no discussion of politics or religion. And there is to be absolutely no personal attacks or bullying. All opinions are welcome and everyone's point of view is to be respected.

This is to some extent a self-regulating forum - and we all need your help to keep the forum running smoothly. If you see a post that has language that might upset a school board or that seems impolite or disrespectful to another person - please bring the post to our attention.

The Chehalis River is a tributary of the Harrison River, which is in turn a major tributary of the Fraser River. The HWF underwater cam is located in the spawning channel at the entrance to the Chehalis Fish Hatchery situated on the shores of the Chehalis river. The cam gives us an up close and personal view of several species of salmon and trout returning to the Fish Hatchery and the Chehalis and Harrison Rivers to spawn.

The Chehalis/Harrison Area Map: (click 2x for full view)

Commonly seen at the fish hatchery but not limited to, are:

Chinook Adults: October to NovemberCoho Adults: June to November Steelhead Adults: March to April Coho Juveniles: All Year Chinook Juveniles: March to May

Thanks for checking in and posting the date, nightowl! The camera has been sort of up and down for the past week, but I think we're on track now.

Ken has been working with the folks at the hatchery on the best location for the cam, and he's been doing a lot work with the cam settings to optimize them for this environment - and we're beginning to see fish!

Good afternoon, everyone! I've just had an update on this cam from our tech person Ken. He went up to Chehalis today to see why the cam wasn't working, and he and the team at the hatchery determined that the cable had been cut underwater - probably by an otter.

We agreed that it's nice we're providing enrichment for otters - but that's not helping us see the fish! Ken has brought the cam back to his place and will be replacing the cable (splicing doesn't work well for underwater installations), and hopes to have it back online soon.

Good afternoon, everyone! I've just had an update on this cam from our tech person Ken. He went up to Chehalis today to see why the cam wasn't working, and he and the team at the hatchery determined that the cable had been cut underwater - probably by an otter.

We agreed that it's nice we're providing enrichment for otters - but that's not helping us see the fish! Ken has brought the cam back to his place and will be replacing the cable (splicing doesn't work well for underwater installations), and hopes to have it back online soon.

Thanks Judy for letting us know and so sorry this happened ... and thank your Ken for all you do and good luck...hope to be watching this cam soon!

Just got an update from Ken (August 28, 10:30 am) - the cam's back in the water and it's streaming! He initially had some issues with condensation inside the cam, but happily the cam's internal heating element seems to be dispersing that.

As always, there is just one problem. A big piece of algae or maybe seaweed seems very attracted to the cam....

I asked Ken if maybe that would help wipe mud and little bits of algae off the lens, and he seemed pretty skeptical. And happily the removal of this piece of seaweed is something the staff at the hatchery can and will take care of, and they may point the cam a little more downwards so we see more of the fish - and there are fish when they're not blocked by the giant green monster!

Ken has given my a couple of updates, and I've been remiss and haven't posted them.

The trouble started when a sea otter bit through the protective cover over the wiring for the cam, which allowed water into the cam housing.

Ken pulled the cam, took everything home, took it apart, dried everything out, put it back together, tested the cam - and amazingly, it worked!

He put the cam back in the waterproof housing and did everything he could to seal the connections and the wiring - but first the cam fogged up inside the cover - and then water began seeping in.

He has again removed the cam, and is hoping to be able to install a replacement before too long.

The folks at the hatchery have made a nice support for the new cam, and with a bit of luck it will soon provide a great view of the salmon and other fish (and occasional ducks and apparently sea otters) that pass by.

Ken has given my a couple of updates, and I've been remiss and haven't posted them.

The trouble started when a sea otter bit through the protective cover over the wiring for the cam, which allowed water into the cam housing.

Ken pulled the cam, took everything home, took it apart, dried everything out, put it back together, tested the cam - and amazingly, it worked!

He put the cam back in the waterproof housing and did everything he could to seal the connections and the wiring - but first the cam fogged up inside the cover - and then water began seeping in.

He has again removed the cam, and is hoping to be able to install a replacement before too long.

The folks at the hatchery have made a nice support for the new cam, and with a bit of luck it will soon provide a great view of the salmon and other fish (and occasional ducks and apparently sea otters) that pass by.